In a recent interview, former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi shared her perspective on the role of the country’s vice president and whether Kamala Harris is the best fit for Joe Biden in the 2024 US presidential elections. Pelosi spoke with CNN’s Anderson Cooper and praised Harris for her political acumen and persuasive abilities.
When Cooper asked Pelosi if she believed Harris was the best running mate, Pelosi emphasized that what truly mattered was Biden’s belief in her suitability for the position. Pelosi described Harris as “very politically astute” and someone who aligned with the president’s values. She also noted that being vice president meant having limitations on one’s duties, stating, “She’s the vice president of the United States. And people say to me, ‘Well why isn’t she doing this or that?’ I say, ‘Because she’s the vice president.’ That’s the job description. You don’t do that much.”
Although Pelosi acknowledged the limited nature of the vice president’s responsibilities, she also acknowledged that Harris had performed her duties effectively, representing the US on the world stage and serving as a source of strength in the administration. Pelosi’s comments come amidst ongoing speculations about Harris’ performance and potential replacement since taking office in Biden’s administration.
According to polling data, Harris’ approval ratings have not been particularly high, hovering around 40% since October 2021. Dissatisfaction with her performance has consistently grown, with a recent YouGov survey showing a 59% dissatisfaction rate. This data has contributed to discussions about her effectiveness as vice president and potential alternatives.
In a Reuters report from March, it was suggested that even Biden himself was frustrated with Harris, despite publicly praising her. Anonymous former White House officials cited in the report claimed that Harris was often hesitant to take on certain tasks due to a fear of making mistakes, which led Biden to feel that she did not help alleviate his workload.
Furthermore, Hollywood actors and political donors have reportedly urged Biden to drop Harris as his vice president and choose a different running mate for the 2024 elections, as stated in a CNN report from March. The reasons behind this pressure were not specified, but it reflects a growing sentiment among some individuals within the Democratic Party.
In addition, Democratic Party leaders have been warned that if Biden were to drop out of the next presidential race, any white Democrats who consider running against Harris in the primaries would be perceived as racist by women and people of color within the party, according to an NBC News report published earlier this month. This warning highlights the sensitivity and complexity surrounding potential challenges to Harris within the party.
Overall, Pelosi’s comments shed light on the role of the vice president and the ongoing discussions surrounding Harris’ performance and potential replacement. As the 2024 elections approach, these conversations are likely to continue shaping the political landscape within the Democratic Party.
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